The Tiger Rising

Reach for this book when your child is processing a significant loss or seems to be bottling up their emotions to the point of isolation. It is a profound choice for children who struggle to find words for their grief, offering a safe space to explore the weight of sadness and the necessity of letting go. Through the eyes of twelve year old Rob Horton, the story addresses the emotional physicalization of pain: in Rob's case, a persistent skin rash that serves as a metaphor for his repressed feelings. Set in a rural Florida motel, the narrative follows Rob as he discovers a caged tiger in the woods, a discovery that coincides with his meeting a fiery new girl named Sistine. Together, they navigate the complexities of grief, bullying, and the difficult bond between a grieving son and his emotionally distant father. While the prose is lyrical and brief, the emotional depth is significant, making it best suited for children ages 8 to 12 who are ready for a realistic and deeply moving exploration of the human heart.